Bryn Davies
Helped to found the Newport Housing Trust
- Born:
-
29
SEP
1938
- Place of Birth:
- Pill, Newport
- Famous For:
- Helped to found the Newport Housing Trust
"Cor blimey!"
Bryn Davies
- Biography:
-
After a life of work in the steel industry, Bryn found his calling as a key member in his community amongst the Newport prefab residents.
Bryn left school at the age of 13 and started working as a 'catcher' in the Whitehead Steelworks where he stayed for 26 years. He met his wife Irene Phillips from Maesglas at the Labour Club in Stow Hill. Unfortunately an injury at work left his foot crushed. After a short stint at Priory Steel, Bryn retired at the age of 58. The latter part of his life has been submerged in the community surrounding Newport's infamous prefab houses on the Treberth Estate.  The houses were erected as a temporary measure to cope with the post-war housing shortage. Their durability outlived all expectations. Generations came and went, and a close-knit community built up around the houses.
- Read more about the prefabs
The decision a few years ago to replace the prefabs with more permanent structures prompted opposition from many residents, notably the elderly. They felt that they had not been properly consulted and that they were not included in the process. A group got together and decided to do something about their predicament. The Newport Housing Trust was born, and Bryn became one of their most active members. One of Bryn's main campaigns was to increase the home-loss payments. He managed to achieve this, and a higher payment is made to residents who are currently being relocated. He continues to fight the corner for residents who have already moved - to ensure that they receive a back-payment.
- Moment of Glory:
- Helped to change the law on home-loss payments made to the prefab residents.
your comments
Ray Lewis in Mount Gambier, Australia
I was born in Newport 1940. Moved to London aged two but we visited Newport every year, visiting aunts and uncles. My favourites were Reg & Mary who lived in those pre-fabs, so good on you Bryn Davies. You are a tower of strength. I emigrated to OZ in 1964, but still think of Newport as home.
Richard Davies, Bryn's son
He checks on his neighbours daily - usually right across the estate, as well as looking after my young nephew and niece most days so their parents can work. He has been a god-send to me. I broke my back and an now confined to a wheelchair most days. He is never one to put himself first, and I feel that this would be the ideal opportunity for me and other to say thank you to a warm, unselfish, reliable good all-round dad and friend.
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